BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University men’s basketball coach Tom Crean has announced that forward Bobby Capobianco will leave the men’s basketball program and look to transfer to another institution where he can receive more playing time.

“Bobby has decided to go for a fresh start and transfer to a school where he can have three years to play two.” said Crean. “He has indicated he would like the opportunity to find a program where he can get more playing time and continue his education. We will help him accomplish this move in any way that we can and we all really want to see Bobby be successful. My hope is that he finds a school like Indiana, that puts a prominent emphasis in academics as it does in basketball, as he has done an excellent job here in the classroom. He will be an asset to whatever program he chooses and we wish him the best as he moves to this next stage in life.”

In two seasons, Capobianco averaged 1.7 points and 2.0 rebounds and was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree this past spring. He is currently enrolled in summer session and will complete those studies.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Indiana, but I want to look for an opportunity to further my basketball and academic career at another institution,” Capobianco said. “I value the experience that I have had here and appreciate everything the coaches and basketball staff have done for me. I am looking forward to this new chapter, and will always have very strong feelings for my teammates, coaches and everyone associated with IU.”

I agree that Haston was good, but I expect Zeller to be GREAT! Time will tell.

Anonymous

I did not say that he never played down low. But JJ usually had the ball at about the free throw line to initiate the offense. He could do anything and everything from that position: feed the open 3 point shot, dribble drive, pull up for a jumper, slip the pass to Odle who was very clever as the post man, etc.

Anonymous

My response had to do with your listing JJ incorrectly as only a SF, as opposed to splitting time as a PF/C, which he did during his breakout season. Didn’t have anything to do with “where” he played on the court.

Just providing some historical context for your expectations of Zeller. They both share very high expectations as an Indiana Mr. Basketball coming to save the program (though clearly JJ had much more talent around him).

Anonymous

Agreed.

Anonymous

Except for Sampson, ofcourse 😛

The_Hall_Monitor

I hope your wrong

Anonymous

This is silly. Austin Etherington will get his 4 years to show his game at Indiana. I think that he will get good minutes this season and produce for the team when he is on the court. Let the kid unpack his bags and show his stuff!

Anonymous

First, like commenters echoed below, Haston and Jeffries, as well as DJ White (Big Ten POY and 1st Team AA) have all been fantastic, and were all heralded in one form or another before reaching IU. (Jeffries/White were both McDonald’s AA) Second, they most definitely are subtracting “another big”. Bobby Capobianco. He’s leaving. That’s the definition of subtracting another big. And you keep throwing out the 6 minutes he played per game. Surely you remember how that he didn’t get those minutes playing in every game, right? He got those minutes in games that featured foul trouble for players in front of him (Elston, Pritchard, Watford) or in games that featured injuries to players in front of him (Watford and Elston both missed time with injuries, if I recall correctly.) You suddenly think Pritchard and Elston are going to avoid foul trouble? You suddenly think they’re going to get more durable? With Capo leaving, and Zeller arriving, IU has upgraded in talent, for sure. But they have the exact same number of bodies to play those positions, and in fact, Watford will likely play some 3. Therefore they remain just as susceptible to foul trouble/injury depth issues. This is why CTC wanted to add Guy last year. They didn’t have enough big bodies, especially at the 5.

And since pretty much every reasonable commenter has agreed that Zeller is a natural 4, expecting him to come in and perform all the miracles you’re expecting from him while playing out of position with no depth behind him to give him rest or allow him to be more aggressive defensively without fear of foul trouble, which would put his team in a big hole since there’s no one behind him on the bench, (the definition of thin in the frontcourt) is probably somewhat of a pipe dream.

I look forward to your ALL CAPS, shouted response!!!!!!

hgdownunder

I agree, but that doesn’t mean he might not get another year of prep school – he has lost a year of bball due to injury.

stonaroni

Here we go again baseballbuc. No love for AE. RobD you are right, AE keeps getting the short end on analysis of his game and where many project him.

At 6’6″ he is already bigger than shooters such as Roth, VJIII, Hulls, and Mo. He is also a better all around player than VO and Will.

So Will or VO can throw down a nasty dunk on a one on no one fast break, but AE can too. So VO and Will can elevate off the blocks, but they seem to miss a lot of chippies. AE may do the same as a FR. But one thing is for sure, AE is a far better shooter than Will and VO.

Mo was not healthy last year and his shot was broken. if his legs aren’t 100% he will never be too dangerous because he isn’t going to shoot over too many people with little elevation.

VJIII struggles from beyond the arc historically, Roth will not see the floor this year, and Hulls is 6′ tall and will not shoot over any one.

AE could be the wing we have not had in the Crean era who can play 10 to 15 minutes a night that can shoot a few 3’s. If he is on, he plays more. If he is cold, he plays less. we have no one like him on this roster in 2011-12.

2012-13 may change with more talent coming in, but his shooting should always keep him in the rotation especially when we have lost 20+ games over the past 3 years.

A healthy Mo is a bonus. Could you imagine a 2/3 zone with Hulls at PG, Mo at SG, AE at SF, CW at PF and CZ rotating the middle? That would be 4 serviceable shooters on the floor at once, another aspect missing the past 3 years.

Seems like the first guy who signs in a class gets overlooked. Patterson is starting to get the same treatment in 2012 class. Yet these two guys want to go to IU, win, be surrounded by talent, restore the program, and recruit as well as anyone. They must be highly respected as individuals because they seem to be well connected and well liked.

stonaroni

Bobby, thanks for the effort and the class you have displayed in representing IU.

Good luck next season. If I could make a suggestion, transfer to NCAA II Northern KY University. You will not have to sit out a year since you are transfering down, you will start for a top 25 program, you will be close to home, NKU is going D-I in the next year, and you will be big man on campus while graduating on time. It is a win-win.

Though I could see you heading to Miami, OH as well and finish out your career.

Either way, good luck!

stonaroni

The departure of BC does not hurt this team in any way. Here is why:

1. CZ is better than anyone we had last season in the paint.
2. CW is a year older and stronger.
3. TP is a SR and was already better than BC.
4. DE was already better than BC
5. WS was better and played more at the PF down the stretch than both DE and BC.
6. AE is a better option on the floor than BC. Give AE BC’s minutes and he can not do worse nor foul in the same manner.

That is 6 players 6’6″ ish or taller who are able to contribute more on the floor than BC did, which gives CTC more options especially if he wants to go with a 3 guard line up or 4 guards against a zone.

BC is a great guy, but we lose nothing. Give Howard a summer and preseason playing against CZ, he may become a better option than BC was.

I will be shocked if CZ is not a 12ppg and 8 rpg player as a FR. That alone is better production than TP, DE and BC combined. We will be much better this season.

stonaroni

The departure of BC does not hurt this team in any way. Here is why:

1. CZ is better than anyone we had last season in the paint.
2. CW is a year older and stronger.
3. TP is a SR and was already better than BC.
4. DE was already better than BC
5. WS was better and played more at the PF down the stretch than both DE and BC.
6. AE is a better option on the floor than BC. Give AE BC’s minutes and he can not do worse nor foul in the same manner.

That is 6 players 6’6″ ish or taller who are able to contribute more on the floor than BC did, which gives CTC more options especially if he wants to go with a 3 guard line up or 4 guards against a zone.

BC is a great guy, but we lose nothing. Give Howard a summer and preseason playing against CZ, he may become a better option than BC was.

I will be shocked if CZ is not a 12ppg and 8 rpg player as a FR. That alone is better production than TP, DE and BC combined. We will be much better this season.

stonaroni

Debating this is almost ridiculous. Yes we lost BC, and we gained CZ, AE, and RA…..all player who are legit D-I players who bring needed talent to this team. And, all 3 are far better than BC. No, not all are PF, but who really cares? we have a team that is 11 men deep and a coach in CTC who loves the 3 guard offense and a lot of options at the PF(TP, CZ, DE) and SF/PF (CW, WS,DE AE, VO and Mo) along with 3 other wings.

Again, WS was BETTER than BC last season playing the PF down the stretch in big 10 play. BC was not in the mix the last 10 games of the season, foul trouble or no foul trouble.

Anonymous

So the crux of your argument is that IU is not thin in the frontcourt.

Anonymous

Nice. I would agree on every point.

INUnivHoosier

Great move for Bobby. He is going to have an opportunity to play a lot more minutes at another school, and I think he will do a great job. Based on his grades, I’d say he has a bright future, whether it be in basketball or otherwise. Good luck, Bobby.

stonaroni

You both are correct. that is why this 2011-12 season will reveal much of what CTC has in store for the program, style of basketball he wants to implement and what type of coach he is.

We know he can recruit, but at the same time, there is so much talent in this state that any IU coach would land some of it. We know he has helped develop talent. We know he has been to the Final 4. We know he can build a winning program. But, is this job too big for him? Will he get IU back to top 10? Can he get his team to execute with 10 seconds left and down by 2? Can he improve on in game adjustments?

Time will tell, but another underachieving team with an established team with 3 years under CTC could be interesting. I am optimistic and hoping for the best in 2011-12. CTC has a ton of passion and energy and I am sure he is a tireless worker, but we need to see W’s and a winning, tournament bound season.

As a former college athlete, I can tell you that 25% of your development is coaching and their instruction. The other 75% comes from the platform college athletics allows you in terms of facilities, training, weight lifting, conditioning and the time to practice and improve. Top excel, one has to have 100% drive and take advantage of the platform provided to you.

A player who goes through the motions will get better, but will be left in the dust by an equally talented player who pours his heart and soul into it.

I have a feeling that there are still very few players who pour their heart and soul into IU basketball.

One thing I know is Hulls does. I saw good things out of Mo as a FR before he got hurt. WS and VO showed some good signs last season. CZ has it. I think AE has it. Hopefully Abell has it.

CW needs to get it because he could be really tough. VJIII is evolving into it. A healthy Mo could help.

The team and players are on the right track as far as mentality is concerned . No team every won anything having poor confidence and no heart or soul. To be honest, the first two years we saw nothing. Last year we saw signs of life here and there. With maturity and a better group of talent, I hope this team takes the next step this season and develops a winning attitude.

I believe CTC is working hard on this since he is recruiting like a man possessed. I really feel lethargy is not an option for CTC. We will see more transfers because CTC will not stand for it.

As far as DE is concerned, I know nothing other than Don Fischer sincerely questioning his decision making and maturity on air last year. He saw things we do not get to see behing the scenes. That was concerning to me. DE was a Soph, not a FR. To me he was old enough to know better.

Anonymous

NKU is moving up? I didn’t know that.

Don’t forget he’s from northern Ohio, so that puts Bowling Green, Akron, Youngstown St., Kent, and Cleveland St. all fairly close to home (even Duquesne and Robert Morris in Pittsburgh not far away.)

Anonymous

I disagree with almost everything that you said, but I LOVE Indiana and our great fans!

Anonymous

What do you disagree with? You disagree that DJ White, Kirk Haston, and Jared Jeffries were great players for IU? All were AP All-Americans. It’s hard to be greater than that.

You disagree that Bobby Capobianco is leaving? That’d be news.

You disagree that Tom Pritchard and Derek Elston are prone to foul trouble? Or that Pritchard, Watford, and Elston are prone to injury? Do you not remember that two of those three players broke hands last year, and Elston also missed games?

You disagree that freshmen, even those as talented as Zeller, often have an adjustment period where they’re prone to foul trouble, as they battle against players bigger, stronger, older, and faster than they’ve ever played against?

You disagree that IU was thin in the frontcourt last season, by everyone’s admission, both here and everywhere else? Do you not remember Coach Crean bemoaning Guy’s ineligibility?

You disagree that IU will be thin in the frontcourt this year? Let me direct you to your own post from this very thread: “We need Mitch-but NOW, for 2011-12!”
So we need Mitch Mcgary, not only in the program, but this upcoming season? Why, if we’re not thin in the frontcourt? I mean, I’d gladly take him. But let’s not forget everyone wanting guys like Traylor, and let’s not forget the fact that Coach Crean paraded a ton of unheralded 2011 bigs through campus lately, before they went on to sign elsewhere.

You disagree that if Zeller gets into foul trouble, the frontcourt depth doesn’t get woefully thin? Who’s coming in to rebound and defend against B1G caliber frontcourt players? Capobianco wasn’t the greatest, but he’d shown flashes of being able to play Big Ten basketball, and at least he has the size to do it. When IU is facing Sullinger and OSU, and Zeller/Pritchard pick up two fouls each, who’s guarding him? Watford or Elston? Sheehey? Please. When those are your backup options for defending bigs, it’s the very definition of woefully thin.

So, just for the record, you disagree with all those things? Just making sure.

MillaRed

Speculation my friend……..

Plane1972

I’m really late to this thread and will certainly be repeating what others have said, but I really hate this. Bobby epitomizes what an IU player should be – hard-working, team player and academically focused. Unfortunately, he probably never was talented enough to play in the Big Ten.

This kid will always be a Hoosier in my book and I really admire how he conducted himself. Really hope he finds the right fit to finish out his playing days.

Tom Simpson

He’s actually from Loveland, OH, in the Cincinnati area.

Anonymous

I disagree: that Jeffries was a PF/C; that the loss of Capobianco is meaningful in ANY way for the 2011-12 team; that anyone is “prone” to injury (without a 4 year true medical history) or to foul trouble (fouls are intentional voluntary actions, they are BAD at defense); that talented freshmen cannot be stars their first year in college basketball; that we were “thin” (depth) on the frontcourt, we were “BAD” (no talented players); that anyone knows if Guy or Bawa could have helped us last season; that we are “thin” on the frontcourt for 2011-12 with Zeller, Pritchard, Elston, Howard and sometimes Watford; that wanting McGary has anything to do with “thin” (= depth) and NOT talent (=greatness); that foul trouble, injury or any cause of losing your great players (#1 Zeller, #2 Watford, #3 Creek) from playing is a “thin” problem, no team can lose its stars; that Capo was better at defending and rebounding against Big 10 Bigs than Oladipo or Sheehey; that using CAPITALS is shouting, it is emphasizing-I am the author-not you! I believe that we have exhausted this thread.

Anonymous

Correct. Indiana’s problem in the frontcourt was not depth it was talent.We were BAD and Zeller can make us GOOD! We will have 4 subs to give Cody some rest: Pritchard, Elston, Howard and sometimes Watford. None of them are great at the PF/C position, but they are adequate subs for 10 minutes/game. I am fine with an 8-9 man rotation in college (Cody 30 min, the others 10 at PF/C). So to me, if Indiana has the talent, our depth is adequate. It could always be better, but that is life. Indiana now has two potential NBA quality players in Zeller and Watford (twice as many as last year). We need a third to step up (Creek was one during his freshman year until the first injury). With 3, each playing well, you can win and be good (Purdue and Butler). It is tough with only 2. So who will step up to make this team good next season? Creek, Jones, Hulls, Elston, Oladipo, Sheehey, Etherington and Abell each has potential. Time will tell.

NorthernHoosier

A shame to see that here. I have had the great fortune to get to know Bobby’s mom, dad, and sister. They are all wonderful people. The people travelled 3 hours one way to attend IU games, many times with out Bobby playing. They didn’t miss many, either. Bobby is a class act as well. Bobby will be missed greater than many think. His attitude and class will be very hard to replace.

Good luck Bobby. We will come see you play if you are ever in Northern Indiana.

NorthernHoosier

Your are right!!!!

InTheMtns

C&C, you are correct that all five 2012 guys can sign now, but that puts us at 14 scholarships (recruits + players) for 2012 and we can have only 13 scholarships when the 2012 class arrives.
As BornHoosierFan said, we will still need one more to transfer (or stay but go off scholarship or not come, etc.) before the 2012 season. If Harris or McGary sign that puts us back to 15 and we’ll need to reduce the current group of 14 by two before the 2012 season.

Anonymous

That is a good possibility and he could use it from a physical standpoint.

Anonymous

I agree.

Anonymous

Yes.

Anonymous

Good call. UE would be an excellent fit both academically and from a basketball standpoint.